Geospatial Technology and Remote Sensing

A series of flashcards based on key concepts in geospatial technology and remote sensing.

Geospatial Technology

A set of tools used to collect, analyze, and visualize geographic information, including GIS, GPS, and remote sensing.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

A computerized system designed for the storage, retrieval, visualization, and analysis of geographically referenced data.

Remote Sensing

The process of collecting information related to electromagnetic energy reflected or emitted by objects on the ground, typically from a distance using aircraft or spacecraft.

Datum

A reference surface of the Earth used for plotting locations on the actual surface.

Ellipsoid

A mathematically defined surface that approximates the shape of the Earth, larger at the center than at the poles.

Geoid

A model of the Earth's shape that represents the mean sea level and accounts for gravitational variations.

Geodesy

The science of measuring the Earth's shape, orientation in space, and gravity field.

Map Projection

A method by which the curved surface of the Earth is portrayed on a flat surface, with various types such as Transverse Mercator.

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)

A global map projection system divided into 60 zones, each 6 degrees of longitude.

Latitude

Imaginary lines on the Earth that measure distances north or south of the equator.

Longitude

Imaginary lines that measure distances east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based navigation system that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

A system that provides autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage.

Electromagnetic Energy

Energy emitted or reflected from objects in the form of electrical and magnetic waves.

Active Sensors

Sensors that emit their own energy to detect objects, unlike passive sensors which require sunlight.

Passive Sensors

Sensors that collect data by detecting natural energy that is reflected or radiated from the target.

Spectral Resolution

The ability of a sensor to distinguish between different wavelengths of radiation.

Radiometric Resolution

The sensitivity of a sensor to detect and record the intensity of incoming radiation.

Spatial Resolution

The size of the smallest object that can be detected by a sensor.

Temporal Resolution

The frequency at which a satellite sensor can revisit and collect data of the same area.

KMZ file

A compressed file extension used by Google Earth for storing placemarks, which stands for Keyhole Markup Language Zipped.

Thematic Map

A map designed to convey a specific theme or information about a particular subject, unlike reference maps which focus on general features.

Digitizing

The process of converting physical map features into a digital format, using tools like Google Earth.

Scale Bar

A graphical representation that indicates the relationship between distance on the map and real-world distances.

North Arrow

A graphical device on a map that indicates the direction of north.

Legend

A guide on a map that explains what symbols and colors represent, providing context to the map's information.